Regarding the Greek Cypriot leadership’s unilateral step related to the natural resources in the region

The attempt of the Greek Cypriot leadership as of yesterday, regarding the future of the natural resources in the region, is yet another unlawful ploy which aims at usurping the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people. The Greek Cypriot side does not have the authority to make such a judgement regarding the future of the resources which belong also to the Turkish Cypriots.

Whereas the legitimate rights of the Turkish Cypriot people on the resources have been clearly acknowledged by all relevant parties, any unilateral steps taken by the Greek Cypriot side as to when, how and through which channels the resources will be distributed to the global market lacks legal basis, while poisoning the relationship between the two sides. The fact that such steps have been taken without meeting with the representatives of the Turkish Cypriot people and without the consent of the Turkish Cypriots – especially at a time when a critical decision will be made regarding what direction the Cyprus problem will take after half a century – is a clear indication of the absence of political will towards a comprehensive settlement of the Greek Cypriot leadership. It has been confirmed, once again, that the Greek Cypriot leadership – which has not even responded to the repeated calls of the Turkish Cypriot side to “act conjointly” on the matter – is unwilling to share not only power, but also wealth with the Turkish Cypriot people.

Through steps that we will be taking soon in consultation and cooperation with the Republic of Turkey, we would like to bring to the attention of the public that we will not allow for the rights of the Turkish Cypriot people to be compromised. In this vein, we invite all relevant actors who have tolerated, encouraged and overlooked the unilateral steps of the Greek Cypriot side to re-examine their wrongful approach and behaviour immediately.